Ura; 裏
Ura has the general meaning of “behind” or “the other side.” However, there are several different levels of meaning and connotation 
occurring simultaneously in this word.
Ura, in its usage in aikido and other Japanese martial arts, references a techniques that occurs after the attacker generated power or movement and usually involves moving offline and/or turning to the back of the attacker. This lets the attack continue unabated. This is a counterpart to the term “omote” which was discussed last week. This means that most techniques, at least in aikido have both an omote and ura version.
However, many Japanese arts also refer to the hidden meaning of the terms omote and ura. There is a connotation of “obvious” and “hidden.” This can occur in a couple of different ways.
Interpretations
Ura can reference hidden parts of a technique. Things that cannot be seen immediately. These are the “hidden” aspects of the technique. Some might use the term “internal.” But there’s another meaning as well. When teaching the curriculum to someone, there are techniques that are not for the public. These techniques are only taught to the inheritor of the system or the most dedicated student. These are also called hidden techniques.
Do you have a favorite martial arts word that doesn’t directly translate into English? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll cover it next week. Or better yet, submit your own Martial Word Wednesday and get published.
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